Delhi Odd-Even Rule: Clarifications, Exemptions & Penalty [Updated]

The national capital is also the centre of power of the country and has been almost a gas chamber due to its levels of air pollutions. Over the last few days residents of Delhi as well as the rest of the country have been debating about the Delhi government’s odd-even rule. It is very difficult to have a straightforward ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the plan and things need more clarifications. While this may not please everyone out there but the intent is right and there are a few aspects which definitely need to be implemented soon!

The Delhi High Court has refused to release a stay order against the rule and went on to call the public information litigation (PIL) premature! Yes, of course a PIL at this stage is juvenile, after all, the odd-even plan is just a proposal right now which will be implemented on a trial basis!

Traffic-Jam-Pic-Delhi-Odd-Even
Pic – Times Union

Delhi Odd-Even Rule: Clarifications

So, if you are confused, here are some clarifications for you…

  • Firstly the odd-even rule will not be based on days of the week but on the days of the month. This means that if your vehicle’s registration number ends with an odd number (1,3,5,7…) then you can drive it only on odd dates. If it ends with an even number (2,4,6,8…) then you will be allowed to drive only on even dates.
  • Zero would be taken as an even number so if your number plate ends with a ‘0’, then you can drive only on even dates.
  • This rule will be applicable from Monday to Saturday; and Sundays are exempted. So you can plan your outing without bothering about your car’s number plate.
  • This rule will be applicable only from 8 AM to 8 PM which means nobody will stop you from driving your car after this time frame and you can drive freely irrespective of what your number plate is.
  • The plan will be implemented on a trial basis from January 1 to January 15, 2016 and a comprehensive strategy is expected to be announced around Christmas.

Exemptions

The government has cleared that the following will be exempted from the rule…

  • The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors of States, Lieutenant Governor of Union Territories and Chief Ministers of States (except the Chief Minister of Delhi).
  • Chief Justice of India, Speaker of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Union Ministers, Leader of opposition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Supreme Court judges, High Court judges and Lokayukta.
  • Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
  • Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades and hearse vehicles.
  • Enforcement vehicles like cop cars, transport department vehicles authorised by the Divisional Commissioner and paramilitary force vehicles.
  • Vehicles carrying defence ministry number plates, embassy vehicles, vehicles having pilot escorts and SPG protection.
  • Single women drivers and women with male child below 12 years.
  • All two wheelers (although this might change in the future).
  • Severe medical emergencies (trust based).
  • CNG vehicles (have to display CNG stickers, available at IGL stations).
  • Electric and hybrid vehicles.
  • Vehicles driven by handicaps.

No Delhi minister has been exempted from this ruling.

What is the government doing from its end?

Delhi has the best public transport mechanisms (in relative terms) in the country with the Metro at its core! So, what has the government done apart from accepting the fact that transition is not going to be easy? This….

  • Well, they are introducing 4,000-5,000 additional buses and increasing the frequency of metros.
  • 10,000 new auto rickshaw permits are being issued.
  • Puch-O app has been launched for finding auto rickshaws via your mobile phone
  • A carpooling app will also be released in the near future.
  • Bus lanes are being marked, 400 km done of the total 1,200 km long roads in Delhi. If buses are found to travel outside these markings they will be fined. Cars can use these lanes but will be fined severely if they obstruct traffic.

Penalty for Violation of Odd-Even Rule

Violators of the odd-even rule will be slapped with a fine of Rs 2,000.

So, it starts from the first of January 2016, with hopes of keeping 40-50 percent cars off the road, which should result in remarkable gain in terms of air pollution.

Till it comes into effect, do tell us your views on this and how and what can be bettered….